Keeping Party Drinking Under Control

Drinking too much alcohol clouds your judgment and can lead to actions that put your health in danger. Those actions may include driving while drunk, going out in subfreezing temperatures without dressing properly, or falling off a curb or down stairs.

A standard-sized drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 shot of hard liquor in a mixed drink. Make sure you are aware of this when considering how much you drink.

Drinking alcohol responsibly

If you choose to drink, there are responsible ways to drink alcohol:

Set a safe limit for yourself before you start drinking.

Choose a designated driver — either someone who doesn’t drink alcohol or someone you can trust to stay sober.

Give your car keys to someone who won't be drinking. Give him or her permission to keep the keys if you seem incapable of driving.

Make arrangements in advance for a safe way to get home. A taxi is worth the money to prevent a serious problem.

Don't drink on an empty stomach. Eat something before you start or along with drinking alcohol. This will slow the rate at which alcohol is taken into your body.

Don't drink when tired or taking medications.

Throwing a party

Whoever serves alcohol has some legal responsibility for the actions of those who drink too much, even after they leave. There are many ways to throw a great party, yet protect yourself and your guests from harm:

Stay sober. The only way you can act responsibly is to keep a clear head

If you plan to drink at your own party, hire a professional bartender who is trained to recognize intoxicated people and stop them from driving.

Serve nonalcoholic beer and wine and other nonalcoholic beverages.

Offer appealing options to liquor. Make a special nonalcoholic drink.

Serve food along with liquor.

Don't let guests mix their own drinks. You lose control of the quantity served.

Stop serving alcohol 1 to 2 hours before the party ends.

Don't let someone who is drunk get behind the wheel, no matter how much he or she protests.

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